The release of the quarterly national crime statistics paints a bleak picture of the country battling to get a grip on violent crime.
In his speech, Minister of Police Bheki Cele stated that no answer justified these dismal figures but that all provinces, districts, clusters and stations need to do things differently if there are to be any changes in criminal tendencies.
“The difference we speak of starts with minor to major changes,” said Cele.
“This includes improving working conditions of officers by ensuring the availability of the required tools of the trade to respond to crime and rooting out officers who choose to intentionally fail the communities they are meant to serve.”
The Benoni Police Station has noted an increase of cases relating to residential and business burglaries as well as theft of and out of motor vehicles, over the past six months.
During the reporting cycle, 395 cases of property-related crimes were recorded at the Benoni SAPS, this is an increase from 225 cases, thus placing the station under the top 30 stations recording a substantial increase.
During the same period, burglaries at non-residential properties also increased from 50 cases to 140, placing that station 29th on the top 30 list.
Theft of motor vehicles increased from 49 to 78 cases rating the police station in 18th place.
According to Captain Nomsa Sekele, spokesperson for the police station, investigations indicate that crimes committed are opportunistic with no specific modus operandi.
“Residential burglaries are mostly committed when the residents are not at home,” she said.
“In terms of burglaries related to business premises, suspects mostly target outlets within the CBD, after hours.”
Sekele appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and to avoid creating opportunities for criminals to gain entry to their properties.
“It has been noted that residents often leave items like garden tools in clear view of passers-by, which creates a temptation for would-be criminals,” she said.
“It is a safety risk as some tools like ladders and spades could further be used to gain entry into the home.
“We urge residents to engage with their neighbours by knowing their daily routine and what vehicles they drive. It will be easy to notice when something is amiss.”
Cele stated that to effectively fight crime, the police cannot work alone.
“We need deeper partnerships with communities built on trust, commitment and delivery,” he said.
“Based on this, the ministry will continue to lend support to police stations and its management teams to aggressively restore the trust deficit that has broken down community relationships.”
According to Cele, police officers cannot police communities they are not part of.
“We are aware that trust is not bought it is earned,” said Cele.
“Improved police service will earn back the trust and confidence of the community. Creating safer communities through effective community policing is a matter of urgency.”
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